electrolytic capacitors

[bsco]

I apologize for this...I went back through the posts to find it but can't....anyway need to order some axial caps for an old Fender 135W Twin...Nothing around here locally....any suggestions on reliable capacitors and suppliers?? thanks
Bernie

[The Dude]

I normally use Mojotone, but there are undoubtedly others.

[Enzo]

I generally use CEDist, which is my wholesale division of AES. I have bought from Magic Parts. Most places that sell tubes, I think also sell caps these days, I just found some at Tube Depot for example. never hurts to look in Mouser, they have up to 450v in lytics.


Don't get hung up on numbers, if you are looking for 50uf caps, try 47uf instead, you will find much better choices. Or maybe 70uf is easier found as 100uf.

[bsco]

What if you used radial instead of axial??outside of the physical appearance there should not be much difference...as long as the values and voltage ratings are good....

[Enzo]

Why would you? Unless you are in a hurry and only have radials in stock. If i am ordering, I get the axials. They will reach farther with their wire leads, they will lie down along the board more cooperatively.

[Chuck H]

Agree. Use axials to fit axial layouts. I've been designing with radials because I found brand with excellent specs for an excellent price. I think the choices are simply better with radials just because that's how MOST caps are made now. I was getting poor performance from a particular brand of axials I had been using. I haven't tried all the other axial caps so I can't comment on their suitability or quality. If I were recapping an old Fender I might do just as bsco is doing and ask here about what to use. I have used radial caps in axial arrangement in my older builds simply because I had the radials on hand. It's a little cumbersome but not too bad. I wouldn't do it to a vintage amp for a customer that was picky though.

[bsco]

@Enzo....I was actually planning on using axial...just looking for opinions from sensible people...and thank you very much for your's...@Chuck.....And yes, I have used radials in place of axials before simply because of a better selection of values and voltage ratings and the fact that they are more easily available....but like you said...for an old vintage amp I would prefer to use what was there originally....however axial values are hard to find and can be expensive...I am trying to tally up a total cost for different brands of caps and let him decide what he wants to do...I can see that the Sprague line is going to be very expensive...when people usually say they want the best sometimes they don't realize the cost factor associated with it....then once they find out, they have second thoughts about what to use...so I want him to make that decision....not me.....thanks for your opinion...I greatly appreciate it..

[gui_tarzan]

I've been getting filter and bias caps from Mojo, AES, Digikey, Newark, whoever has the best price and the correct (musically) part in stock. Mallorys are available at a lot of different suppliers so there are more dealer options there.

So that brings up a question - should it matter tone-wise in the bias section or PI whether you go with something like a Vishay or is it still recommended to use a "tone" cap there?

[gbono]

I have bought capacitors (high voltage) off the Weber site and have not had any issues. These are rebranded Chinese parts so they will not have the "tone" of the much more expensive devices that the some folks must have (not that I believe in that fantasy but if you have the $$, I'll but a leyden jar in there). I believe if you buy a capacitor that is constructed properly with the right foil, etch process and electrolyte it will be reliable and stable in the circuit and that is what I call "mojo"....

If I ever get into a lull I would like to xray and deconstruct a selection of normal production, vintage and high end (tone) caps.

[soundguruman]

I think F&T are the best sounding ones, that are not too expensive.
Capacitors | Antique Electronic Supply

I avoid Chinese parts, in general.

We have replaced caps in Fender amps, and the F&Ts seem to make the whole amp sound much more hi fi.

There is a very big difference in temperature rating, hours life rating, etc...
So I spend a little more money and buy the good ones instead.

Quality of manufacturing has suffered, but I don't need it to suffer in my shop.
Better parts = happier customer, for the long haul. That's my philosophy.

And I don't mark up the price either...
German Caps cost the same in my shop, as cheap Chinese caps cost in other shops. (or less)
So the price is not the issue.
It's sound quality, it's reliability, that's what's important here.

[bsco]

So tell me SGM...what brands of caps do you use when you can't get the values and voltage ratings in F&T caps...they don't supply a lot of choices...not from what I have seen on line....My plan was to order F&T and then get the rest from somewhere else...anybody else want to give their opinion....I would like to hear it.....the more info the better....
Cheers,
Bernie

[Chuck H]

I never had any trouble with Atom caps when they were being counterfeited with Xicon's stuffed into the Atom cases

[bsco]

Thanks Chuck...for that info....

[soundguruman]

So tell me SGM...what brands of caps do you use when you can't get the values and voltage ratings in F&T caps...they don't supply a lot of choices...not from what I have seen on line....My plan was to order F&T and then get the rest from somewhere else...anybody else want to give their opinion....I would like to hear it.....the more info the better....
Cheers,
Bernie

I will use Japanese if I have to.
I go for 105C 10,000 hour rating if I can get it.
I will use JJ, LCR, Cornell Dubilier etc...
There are can caps from CED Antique Electronics 55C and they are below my usual rating.
And firecracker caps from CED. If that's all you can get...they still work OK
The rating is lower than I rather use.

[Leo_Gnardo]

I never had any trouble with Atom caps when they were being counterfeited with Xicon's stuffed into the Atom cases

I had trouble paying top rates for Atom cap buffoonery. Funny thing hundreds of Xicon caps worked perfectly well for me, for a lot cheaper, without being surrounded by a big case & stuffing.

- - - - -

bsco - I get most 500V and 350V caps from Magic Parts / Ruby. I don't know who makes them for Magic but so far no problems except for my own stupid misteaks. Neither end is metal so I've installed backwards once or twice without that big visual cue. You have to set up a dealer account with Magic, or have a friend who does who will order for you. 450V caps and other small electrolytics I typically get from Mouser. 22/450's from Nichicon were a nice bargain when I last bought a batch of 100. Of course quantity buying helps. You get skinned buying onesies from anyone.